Deputy on leave amid pawn shop gun probe

DALTON, Ga. -- Authorities say a sheriff's deputy in northwest Georgia has been put on paid administrative leave amid allegations that he pawned two guns he was issued.

Whitfield County sheriff's Maj. John Gibson says the deputy was placed on leave Friday after a routine check of area pawn shops revealed a shotgun and a rifle the deputy had been issued were pawned in Dalton.

Gibson said the pawn shop owner has been cooperative and isn't under investigation.

Gibson a criminal investigation into the matter is also ongoing. He said the sheriff's office will ask District Attorney Bert Poston to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

Gibson said the internal investigation will likely be complete within a week.